This tree hangs precariously on top of a cliff composed of crumbly red dirt, overlooking the Carenage River in New Caledonia's southern wilderness area. It looks like the next big rain or cyclone will be the end of days for this solitary tree.

Every time I look up at it I wonder if the next time I see it, the tree will be broken and dying at the bottom of the cliff. Every time I return it is still there, living dangerously on the edge. I think the first time I looked up at it and thought - "Wow! That tree is not long for this world!" was in 1984 but it could have been 1985. 30 years ago the cliff, the tree, the river, all looked just like it does now.

That's why I took it's portrait. To remind myself, and maybe others, too, that sometimes; even when things look really precarious; like the end is near; that just maybe there is nothing to worry about as long as you hang in there.

New Caledonia is the closest South Pacific Island to Australia and New Zealand. It is a French Territory and although the official language is French the culture is a blend of Melanesian, European, Polynesian, Vietnamese, Chinese, Indonesian, and more. There is one large mountainous island called Grande Terre and 6 smaller islands - the three Loyalty Islands, Belep and the Isle of Pines.The islands are remarkably unpopulated and there are vast areas of wilderness. There are hundreds of kilometers of walking treks, camp grounds, more than 42 parks and reserves, and crystal clear rivers with sparkling waterfalls. Almost one third of the population is located in the capital city of Noumea. Nickel mining is the primary industry and is the major contributor to the high standard of living in the country. Grande Terre is surrounded by the second largest barrier reef in the world and the protected lagoon created by this barrier reef is the largest in the world. Listed as a World Heritage Site in 2008, the lagoon is 24,000 square kilometers and supports a diverse and luxuriant fauna of fish and invertebrates.The vibrant, clear and rich colors are one of the first things that visitors notice when they arrive. Noumea has a complete range of hotels, resorts, restaurants, and activities to welcome visitors.

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